Page 14 of Knot in Bloom
“You’re not,” I say, stepping back. “Come in.”
And suddenly my tiny apartment has both of them in it.
The space fills with their scents. Cedar and sandalwood mixing until the air itself smells like home. Everything in me settles at being surrounded by alphas who smell right.
My body responds without asking permission first. Slick starts gathering between my thighs. My nipples peak under my thin tank top. Honeysuckle blooms sweeter in my scent and both of them breathe deeper when they catch it.
Maybe it’s because I’ve been rationing my heat suppressants. Taking one every other day instead of daily to make theprescription last longer. Just another corner I’ve had to cut since my insurance lapsed. But being around both of them like this, breathing in their combined scents, my body’s responding like it’s forgotten what the suppressants are supposed to prevent.
“This is weird, right? You both just happening to show up?”
Caleb shifts uncomfortably. “I didn’t know Levi was here. Just saw your light on and thought I’d check if you were okay.”
“I brought dinner because you never eat,” Levi adds. “Didn’t expect company either.”
My face flushes. “I eat.”
“Coffee and whatever’s left in vending machines doesn’t count,” he says gently.
“Well,” I say, settling into my chair. “I guess we’re all having dinner together then.”
An awkward beat of silence.
“Is that... okay?” Caleb asks, glancing between Levi and me.
“Of course,” Levi says. “There’s plenty of food.”
“I just brought beer though,” Caleb adds. “Should’ve thought to bring actual food.”
We settle around my small table and I watch them work together without getting in each other’s way. Caleb opens beers while Levi serves food. Neither one trying to dominate the space or mark territory.
It should feel awkward. Crowded. Instead it feels like pieces clicking into place.
“How’s the roof holding up?” Levi asks.
“Good. Should be completely waterproof now.” Caleb’s attention settles on me with that quiet intensity. “No more emergency disasters.”
“Thank god.” I take a big gulp of wine. “I can’t handle another week like this one.”
“You handled it fine,” Levi says. “Better than fine. You turned a disaster into the most talked-about wedding Honeyridge Falls has seen in years.”
“People are really talking about it?”
“Tommy Clanton already asked Dean when you’d have time to help with his anniversary party,” Caleb says.
The warm feeling in my chest grows. “Really?”
“Really,” Levi confirms. “You’re allowed to be proud.”
As we eat, I start to relax. Actually relax for the first time since Monday. Good food and easy conversation and two men who seem genuinely interested in what I have to say.
But underneath the comfortable talking, there’s something building. Heat that has nothing to do with the wine.
The way they both watch me when they think I’m not looking. How Caleb’s scent spikes possessive every time I laugh. The way Levi’s pupils stay dilated when I lean across the table.
My body responding in ways that should embarrass me but just feel natural. Slick pooling between my thighs every time one of them smiles. Nipples tight against my tank top when they move close enough for their scents to wrap around me.
When we finish eating, they both get up to clear dishes. I watch them coordinate around my tiny kitchen like they’ve done this a hundred times.
